In Loving Memory

Erik Keene Anderson

10/14/1971 — 12/25/2023

Gilbert-Memorial-Park

A Life Remembered

Obituary

Erik K. Anderson was born on Oct. 14, 1971, in Normal, Illinois. He passed away on Dec. 25, 2023, in Goodyear, Arizona due to complications following a stroke. He married Audra on May 1, 1999, and lived life to the fullest for nearly 25 years of wedded bliss. Their three children, Evan, Elizabeth, and Patrick, will best remember their father for telling “Dad” jokes, being a great listener and sharing long-winded, encouraging talks. He loved each of them for their individuality and bright potential.

Having never met a stranger, Erik could talk to anyone. He always had a story to share, a joke to pass on and a patient and attentive ear for whomever needed it. Of the many activities he enjoyed, playing tennis topped his list; he played regularly and with gusto. His extensive tennis family includes friends spanning from Illinois to Arizona. He worked at State Farm Insurance Company for almost 12 years, where he considered every day an opportunity for improvement. His most recent role was as a technology analyst in the Enterprise Technology Department. While at work, Erik collected friends and mentors as easily as he did on the tennis court.

Relocating the family from Illinois to Arizona at the beginning of the pandemic, he embraced his new home state. He spent hours arranging trips for the family to see Antelope Canyon, Imperial Sand Dunes, and all points in between. Many Sunday afternoon adventures involved hiking county and state parks while getting lost and discovering new trails. Erik loved live music and he was always looking forward to the next great concert. At home, he created a wall full of framed concert posters highlighting all the venues and bands he had taken the family to see.

Erik is survived by his wife, Audra, and their children, Evan, Elizabeth and Patrick; his mother, Holly Anderson; parents-in-law, Tom and Meredith Lovelass; brother-in-law, Justin Nix; brother-in-law John Lovelass, his wife Jennifer, and their children Henry, Jack and Oliver; sister-in-law Stefanie Davis, her husband John, and their daughter Eva; parents-in-law, Terry and Marsha Anderson; brother-in-law, Matthew, his wife Mary, and their children Grace, James and Abigail; sister-in-law Molly Walls, her partner Jason and their daughters, Addison and Hadley, as well as numerous friends. He is preceded in death by his son, Sean; sister-in-law, Kate Nix; and father, Gary. Erik was unconditionally loved and will be deeply missed. Our memories of him will be cherished forever.

A memorial service for friends and family will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at Gilbert Memorial Park. A livestream link will be available at the funeral home website. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributing to an educational fund for the Anderson children.

Please click on the below link to View Service:

https://www.viewlogies.net/gilbert-memorial-park/fBapt82gO?pin=117974

Service Details

Gatherings in remembrance

Service

Saturday, January 13, 2024 · 1:00 PM

Gilbert Memorial Park

Messages of Love

From family and friends

Tara Hayman

Deepest condolences to the Anderson family. Erik will truly be missed!

Rob & Tiffany Giganti

I am better because I knew Erik. I have such sorrow in knowing he’s gone. I’ll always remember our time together as parents, as coaches, as colleagues, as friends and as a confidant. Our deepest condolences to Audra, Evan, Libby, Patrick and Holly.

Bacarella Family

Erik was always so friendly and made you feel instantly welcome and comfortable. We feel blessed to have met Erik. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.

Dan & Angela Hess

Our deepest condolences to Audra and family. I will always remember Erik for that smile he always had on his face. Rest in Peace, Erik

Todd Bullock

Deepest condolences to the Anderson family. I only worked with Erik for a short period of time, but I developed a deep appreciation for him and the co-worker and friend he was to me and many others at State Farm!

Jeff Sharpe

I had the great fortune of meeting Erik for the first time just this summer. In the short time I knew him he inspired me and many others to volunteer our time and talents to give back to our community. He helped to orchestrate a bike build for local school children, a turkey drive over Thanksgiving to provide meals for those in need, and an Angel Tree toy drive for children to receive gifts at Christmas who otherwise would be without. Hundreds of people across Phoenix who never knew Erik were touched and impacted by his generosity and selfless service. He didn’t do it for praise or recognition but because he truly cared for others more than himself. Erik was a gift and blessing to this world and I hope he continues to inspire all of us to continue giving to this world in his honor. My sincere condolences to Audra, and Evan, Elizabeth and Patrick and the entire family. Rest in Peace, Erik

Rene McClure

Audra and kids, we are praying for you and so very sorry for your loss. We loved our time at Metcalf baseball with the Andersons.

Rob Wills

Erik was really a one of a kind. His outgoing nature, always had a smile and ready to tell a good story were always things I looked forward to when we were going to hang out. Our friendship truly revolved around growing up in Bloomington/Normal, going to U-High, and live music. When we both landed out here in AZ, it was always him that I could trust would scout out the next show we could go see. And we would always have a blast! His love for his family, and the ability to literally talk to anyone were such great traits. You will be missed sorely, Erik Anderson.

Kathy Murdoch

Erik was a true Pioneer—his pragmatic leadership and passion was admirable while he served on the University High School Alumni Association board. Erik was a gentle and kind human being who mentored many with his uplifting and positive attitude. I am honored and blessed to have known him. Peace be with his family whom he cherished as you learn to navigate without his physical presence.

Joe Johnson

I was stunned to learn of Erik’s passing. He was always so full of life, and such an easy person to talk to. We had many conversations about life, the Bears and the Cubs/White Sox as neighbors. So full of life – you could tell he loved Audra and the children so much. Godspeed, Erik, and many thoughts and prayers going out to Audra and the family.

Michelle Mueller

I am so sorry to hear about Erik’s passing. Sending special thoughts and hugs to the wonderful family he leaves behind.

Andy Strain

Erik and I shared many of these “long talks” about work and family. My thoughts and Prayers have been on Audra and the kids – may the Lord bless you with peace and the knowledge that Erik’s life has meaning – he lived that life that deserves to be celebrated and honored. Caring and compassionate, seeking the truth and the right thing. I wish I had more friends like Erik. We will continue to lift you up in prayer and hope.

Cara Boester

Audra and family, I’m so sorry for your loss. Sending you all love hugs and prayers during this difficult time. The Boester Family

Jonah Sweet

I still have the thoughtful graduation card that your dad mailed all the way from Arizona. Only having met him a few times, the card meant so much to me and spoke to his character. Praying for peace and love for the Andersons.

Kelly Reynolds

Thinking of you and the family during this time. Erik and I worked together for several years at the farm. Words cannot describe how great of a person he was to everyone around him. He took time to get to know the people he worked with, their hobbies, families, and always made it a point to keep in touch when I moved on to another role. He always raved about Audra’s baking and how that could dominate any of our food days, in addition to how they didn’t need to even go out to eat since she was such a good cook. He would also tease my husband, who played pickleball at Gilbert Regional, on how that wasn’t a “real sport” and he could come over to the other side if he wanted to play “the man’s sport, tennis”…. I could go on and on with the stories and how much he raved about his children Evan, Patrick, and Libby. We had tons in common with our daughters who were on their college journey. My heart goes out to you, Audra and family. I’m so deeply sorry for your loss.

sally Mangina

I was so sorry to hear of Eric’s passing. He was the most positive person on a tennis court. I actually worked his matches in Illinois, and in California, and he was always representing Illinois in a most positive way. He will truly be missed. He was one of the most pleasant people to talk to. Holly, I am so sorry for your loss, and I’m thinking of you and your entire family.

Felicia Simpson

Audra and family I am so sorry for your loss. Daisy and I enjoyed spending time with your family. You all are so wonderful. He will be greatly missed. ?

Laura Barger Runkel

Audra and family, I am so sorry to hear of Erik’s passing. He was the best mixed doubles partner I ever had, always so uplifting, and reminding me to “close the net!” He was just a great guy all-around. Erik was also wonderful to my son Mason, going out of his way to ask him how school and tennis was going. That always meant the world to me, and to Mason. He was such a fine father figure and how lucky the kids are to have been influenced by him. Please know that you are all in my prayers, and Erik will never be forgotten as my most favorite partner ever. May he rest in peace. ?

The Schuline Family

Audra and Family, We are so sorry to hear of Erik’s passing. Please know that our prayers and thoughts are with all of you.

❦

Provided by

Gilbert Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery